Seahawks coach Aaron Lewis said five to seven scouts per game would come to examine outfielder Tyler Hill. They usually liked what they saw from the chiseled, 6-foot-1, 225-pound outfielder, who is projected to be picked somewhere within the top 10 rounds when the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft begins Thursday.

Lewis said the Pirates, Red Sox, Royals and Marlins showed the most interest, but every major-league team except the Yankees has contacted him about Hill. The senior projects as a rare five-tool player, with elite ability to run, throw, field, hit for average and hit for power.

"But the biggest thing is, he's such a great kid," Lewis said. "His personality is going to take him as far as his talent."

Hill's versatility is seen in his statistics – a .432 average with six home runs, 29 RBIs, 30 runs scored and 18 stolen bases during his senior season. Scouts always arrived early to watch him take batting practice before the Seahawks' games.

"He hits for average very well," Lewis said. "He can hit the ball wherever it's pitched. Also, when he needs to, he can hit for power."

Hill was a catcher earlier in his high school career. But when he signed with Wilmington University, Wildcats coach Brian August told Lewis that Hill would become an outfielder in college. So Hill made the move during his final year of high school, as was named a first-team All-State outfielder as the Seahawks went 12-6.

"I thought it was only right for me to prepare him for the next level, for him to play outfield," Lewis said. "[Professional scouts] want him as an outfielder, also."

Of course, any player who is drafted is not obligated to sign a professional contract. But if Hill is selected within the first 10 rounds, the signing bonus that is offered to high picks may be difficult to turn down.

"If he gets the right package, I think he'll sign," Lewis said. "But at the same time, it has to be the right package for him. If not, he has a great fallback in playing at Wilmington University."